American Express offers some of the most coveted and rewarding credit cards on the market today. But Amex’s iconic products like the Platinum Card and Gold Card set a high bar for approval requirements that can scare many potential applicants away. In this guide, we’ll cover who can realistically get approved for an American Express credit card based on credit score, income, account history, and other key eligibility factors.
Overview of American Express Credit Cards
Amex issues an array of credit card products across multiple tiers. Here is a quick rundown of some of their most popular cards:
Charge Cards vs Credit Cards – Amex offers traditional credit cards that have interest rates, spending limits, and revolving balances. They also offer charge cards that have no preset spending limit and must be paid in full each month.
Membership Rewards Cards – Cards like the Platinum, Gold, and Green earn transferable Membership Rewards points that can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, and more.
Cash Back Cards – Options like the Blue Cash Cards offer cash back on categories like groceries, gas, and online retail spending.
Co-Branded Cards – Amex partners with brands for cards like Delta SkyMiles and Hilton Honors that earn points in loyalty programs.
Business Cards – Amex offers business cards tailored for small businesses, including the Blue Business Plus, SimplyCash Plus, and Business Gold Rewards.
Green Card – A beginner-friendly charge card that earns Membership Rewards points with no annual fee (see terms).
Gold Card – Intermediate card with dining and groceries rewards and travel benefits. $250 annual fee (see terms).
Platinum Card – Amex’s premium card with extensive travel perks, upgrades, and benefits. $695 annual fee (see terms).
Centurion Card – An invite-only charge card for elite high-spenders with a $10,000 initiation fee and $5,000 annual fee.
Next, let’s look at what it takes to qualify across this wide spectrum of products.
Amex Approval Requirements
Amex imposes stringent approval standards for most of their cards compared to other issuers. Here are some of the key requirements:
Credit Score Needed – You’ll need an excellent FICO score of at least 700 and ideally higher to have the best approval odds for a premium rewards card like the Platinum. Charge cards have similar credit requirements. More basic Green and Blue cards may approve those with scores as low as 600.
Income Requirements – High minimum income requirements come with charge cards and premium rewards cards. Some sources cite annual income requirements around $60,000-$100,000 or more based on your credit limits. However, any stable source of income is beneficial.
Account History Factors – Low credit card utilization (under 30%), a solid history of on-time payments, and years of credit history with both credit cards and loans boost your chances. Being an authorized user helps too.
Low Credit Score Options – Those with no credit history or scores below 600 do have some options to establish a relationship with Amex, which we’ll explore next.
Options for Low Credit Scores
While those with excellent credit scores and high incomes have the easiest path to American Express approval, they aren’t your only options. Here are some ways to get approved for an Amex card if you don’t meet their stringent requirements:
Secured Card – The Amex EveryDay Secured Card requires a refundable security deposit and reports to all three credit bureaus to help build your credit.
Authorized User – Become an authorized user on someone else’s Amex account to get access to the card benefits and build your credit history.
Global Card Transfer – Apply to transfer an eligible international Amex card to the U.S. as your first American Express account.
These options provide alternative paths to American Express approval for those with limited histories.
Check for Pre-Qualification
Before formally applying, you can check your approval odds for American Express credit cards by taking advantage of Amex’s pre-qualification feature online. The pre-qual process offers a soft credit check that will not impact your scores.
Here’s how it works:
See Likely Approval Odds – The online pre-qual form will provide instant feedback on whether you may be approved, declined, or need more review. This gives you useful insight before applying.
Evaluate Offer Details – If pre-approved, you will see estimated details like your credit limit, APRs, bonus offers and more so you can assess if the card meets your needs.
The pre-qualification result does not guarantee you will be approved, but gives a strong indicator of your chances to set expectations.
Improve Your Chances of Approval
If you don’t qualify yet, here are some tips to improve your odds for your next Amex application:
Boost Credit Score – Reduce balances below 30% of limits, pay all bills on time, and resolve errors to maximize your credit score over time.
Lower Utilization – Keep credit card balances low across all cards, as high utilization drags down approval chances.
Increase Income – Boost your reported income through raises, taking on side work, having your partner apply as co-signer, etc.
Become an Authorized User – Getting added to a partner’s or parent’s account can help build your credit profile.
Apply with a Co-Signer – Adding an authorized signer with better credit and income improves the chance for approval.
Leverage Existing Relationships – Being a Wells Fargo customer may help you qualify for their co-branded Amex cards, for example.
Slow and steady responsible credit habits over time will set you up for eventual approval.
Alternatives to American Express
If you need to build credit first or simply want a different card, here are some alternatives to consider beyond Amex:
Other Rewards Cards – Issuers like Chase and Citi offer excellent travel and cash back cards with lower barriers to entry.
Secured Cards – Secured cards help build credit for those needing to establish a history.
Starter Cards – Look for student cards or beginner cards from issuers like Capital One and Discover.
Charge Cards – Amex charge cards are easier to get than credit cards and still offer rewards.
Review your options across issuers to find the best card that matches your credit profile until you are ready for American Express.
Is an Amex Card Right for You?
Before pursuing the iconic American Express cards, make sure they align with your:
Credit Profile – If you have excellent credit, Amex becomes very attainable. Average or bad credit means building a history first.
Spending Habits – If you spend heavily across rewards categories like dining, groceries, travel, etc that Amex cards target, you’ll maximize the benefits.
Rewards Goals – If you want robust travel redemptions, the Membership Rewards program is very compelling. Cash back cards may work better for simpler budgets.
Income Level – Higher income makes approval easier and allows you to get more value from Amex’s premium card offerings and associated annual fees.
Do your research and make sure an Amex card aligns with your financial situation before applying.
The Bottom Line
While it takes excellent credit and high income to unlock approval for American Express’ top rewards cards, they offer compelling value for the right consumers. More flexible options exist as well for those rebuilding or establishing their credit history.
Pros of Amex:
- Valuable rewards programs like Membership Rewards and airline/hotel loyalty points
- Luxury benefits, credits, access, and insurance with cards like the Platinum
- Good customer service and support as an account holder
Cons of Amex:
- Require spotless credit history and high income for the best cards
- Higher annual fees than competitors on premium cards
- Charge cards must be paid in full so balances can’t be carried
Be strategic about applying only when you are truly eligible – then enjoy the rewards and elite benefits of American Express card membership for the long-term.